Is a house a home?

It definitely is, and when there's chance it could be damaged, or even

 destroyed, one realizes how comforting it is to have a place to call home. . . . . 

 . . . . . . and how upsetting and stressful it is knowing it could be lost.

Nail biting time is here for those of us in North Carolina, South Carolina and 

Virginia as the first tropical storm of the season, Hurricane Florence, churns

 her way across the Atlantic towards us.

She is a huge category 4 storm, and is being called extremely dangerous, 

perhaps the worst storm to hit the southeast in 60 years.

 Evacuations are already underway along our coast. Here, inland, we are also

 getting prepared as it's highly likely the damaging winds, possible major 

flooding and power outages could reach us.

More later. . . . . . . . .fingers crossed!

Fall Fashion & Hurricane Florence. . . . . . . . . . .

Good Monday morning friends.

Hopefully we here inland and along the southeastern coast will get

 through this week safely. Being in the path of Hurricane Florence is 

very unnerving to say the least!

On the way to drop off something at my nearby mall a few days ago, couldn't

 help but notice, the larger than life sized photo (above) in one of the H&M display

 windows. I love it - both the photo and the coat!

I looked at it again online and decided no way did I need a 'Polar bear' coat living

 down south! 
I already have a small collection of longer coats, love them all, however 
we don't get enough cold weather to wear them too often. 
When traveling to colder climes there's no way to stuff this one into a
 suitcase. . . . . . unless I take everything else out!

I did however check out the new sweaters in H&M. I've had good luck with their 

sweaters. Their styles, colors and affordable prices, this one is just $19.99,

mean I can keep my sweater wardrobe current without spending a fortune.

I like this relaxed style with the slightly longer back, dropped shoulders and ribbed

cuffs and hem. I needed this one in beige tones but it comes in several other

colors also.

One drawback is the possibility of the yarns pilling after some wear. 
This I can live with and, quite honestly, it happens to just about all sweater
 knits, even merino wool and expensive cashmere. . . . . . which is why investing
 in one of these battery operated lint shavers (mine is a Dritz) is worthwhile.
 I purchased mine at JoAnn Fabrics at a good savings by using a discount
 coupon. it really works well. . . . . . . . today I'm actually 'shaving' my sweaters
as I plan to head north again soon!

Today we will commence hurricane preparation all across North Carolina.
Last night's TV coverage showed grocery store shelves already cleaned
 out of necessities such as bottled water and non-perishable food items!
This is a very stressful time for us all and we'll be battening down
the hatches over the next few days.

 

Saturday morning. . . . . . . . .

The light this morning is bright and lovely with sunshine and

 blue skies. . . . . . . but will it last?

Doubtful with the current weather forecast. Hurricane Florence has become the

 first major storm of the season and, as always, the east coast gets nervous.

The entire week ahead shows rain and thunderstorm activity. . . . . . even this

afternoon we will probably get hit by a storm.

I have veggies to grill so my 'grill master' has just received his marching orders

 to get out there early and fire up the Weber . . . . . . . . . . here's your apron Bob!

Meanwhile, I'm heading to the garden to pick the last tomatoes, the few green

 bell peppers which are small but will add flavor to the grill, and a last clipping 

of basil for pesto. Figs have been left for visiting birds, squirrels and deer, they

were disappointing this year - late coming in, sparse, and not flavorful as in

other years. 

Thanks to each of you who commented on my previous post. 

Knowing your kind wishes and prayers are heading across the pond

 to Denise as she faces yet another serious health issue, makes me

 realize yet again, how special and generous blog friends are. 

Hoping your weekend is bright and beautiful.